Scoil Maelruain celebrate 40th anniversary in style

By Mary Dennehy

A SPECIAL celebration marked Scoil Maelruain Senior’s 40th anniversary last week, and its journey from a 93-pupil school in 1976 to a vibrant, progressive and inclusive part of the community.

The Old Bawn-based primary school had more than 600 pupils at its peak, with 432 children attending today – and supported by 16 classroom teachers, eight learning support teachers and four special needs assistants.

Principal Caitriona Hogan told The Echo how a sizeable number of current students are the sons and daughters of former pupils, with three members of the Army Band, which came to play at the 40th anniversary celebration last Thursday, also turning out to be past students.

The Army Band was joined in Scoil Maelruain Senior by members of the Tallaght Men’s Shed, which delivered a special Buddy Bench, commissioned by the Parent’s Association.

Ms Hogan said: “We had a great day and it was a wonderful way to mark our anniversary.

“Forty years ago, the founding staff of Scoil Maelruain Senior worked tirelessly to build Scoil Maelruain Senior into the school it is today.

“Mr O’Reachtabhra led the troops for 30 fabulous years before Mr O’ Corcoran took over as Principal in 2006 and marched onwards giving his all to the role.

“As the current Principal, I would like to thank these former leaders for their energy, dedication, forward thinking and innovation. I would also like to thank all former members of staff who contributed so much to the school.

“Parents have [also] contributed greatly to the successof the school…with the [Parents’ Association] continuing to work on improving facilities for the pupils.”

Looking back over the decades, Ms Hogan said that pupils have appeared in more than 40 Cumann na mBunscol finals in Croke Park, with several students going on to represent Dublin at various levels.

The school has also been prominent in athletes, which included pupil Keith Fahey, who went on to play soccer for Ireland.

Former staff members were also on the founding committee of the Tallaght Schools’ Festival, the school choir performs at the Peace Prom every year and pupils have enjoyed success in art competition, Credit Union Quiz and the Tallaght Chess League.

Concluding, Ms Hogan said: “There have been many changes and improvements in education provision in the past forty years, for example, the introduction of IT, the inclusion of children with Special Needs and the enrolment of international pupils.
“These have all had a very positive influence on our daily lives.

“No doubt, major changes will come to pass in the next forty years.

“However, with a committed staff, dedicated parents, curious children and good faith we will embrace these changes and grow in strength.”